Fresh Catch: Visit Westport for Seafood, Surfing & Springtime Fun

Go West, Young Man

You’ve already been to Ocean Shores or Seabrook north of Grays Harbor, so next time you’re entering Aberdeen, why not turn left and head for the Washington Coast’s quintessential fishing village: Westport. Though only separated from Ocean Shores by the narrow mouth of Grays Harbor, Westport is actually about an hour’s drive from Ocean Shores. When I was young, a small passenger ferry operated between the two port towns, but that option has long since been sent out to sea due to various issues revolving around funding and environmental factors.

Today, Westport is known for a large resident fishing fleet and some high-class surfing. Multiple surf shops dot the town, and Half Moon Bay near downtown is a huge draw for surfers from across the region. When our pastor stayed at our cabin in Ocean Shores last year, he eagerly made the long drive around the harbor just to try out the famous Westport swell.

In terms of fishing, the port is home to several outfitters and guides who will take you on trips of various length for your chance to reel in some of the northwest’s best, including halibut, lingcod, and of course, salmon. Avid anglers and novices alike come from across the country to fish our coastal waters. A simple Google search for “Westport Fishing Charters” will bring up numerous results for local companies.

For those who don’t have their sea legs, Westport offers other popular outdoor recreation opportunities, with trails and beaches at three state parks. Westport Light State Park features the historic Grays Harbor Lighthouse, put into service in 1898. Climb the 135 steps to the lantern room for views across the surrounding forestlands and out to the water on a clear day. Visitation hours varying depending on season, so check their website for up-to-date information. Admission to the tower is $5 per person.

A little bit south, Grayland Beach State Park has a handful of yurts if beach camping is in your wheelhouse. *Note: the campground at Grayland Beach is close to beach level, and flooding is possible during King Tides or heavy rain events. A trip down several years ago saw our campsite inaccessible in mid March, with most of the parking areas for the yurts also underwater. We roughed it in a regular tent site, enduring a wild night of high wind and heavy rain!

Right in town, you can stroll the boardwalk over the marina and marvel at the fishing fleet, then climb the jetty-side viewing tower for one of the best places to take in the waves from a safe vantage point. All 3 locations mentioned above provide beach access for long walks or treasure hunting.

All the Stops

Both in and out of town, you’ll find a variety of food, quaint shops, and places of interest. Just steps off the marina, the Westport Maritime Museum offers a unique rotation of exhibits where sailors-at-heart can learn about shipwrecks, the fishing and whaling industry, the Coast Guard and both natural history and ecology.

A few minutes drive south of town will take you to Pomegranate in Grayland, with an eclectic selection of gifts and home goods, while The Painted Pelican is one of the best coastal stops for antiques hunting. Back in town, numerous shops offer gift and souvenir choices, while multiple seafood markets distribute fresh local catch options.

If you don’t want to wait for your food to thaw, Westport is home to several top-notch eatery options. My go-to stop is Aloha Alabama, where flavors of the South are fused to the island spirit of aloha, with Hawaiian BBQ Chicken, Kalua Pork Poke Bowl, Crispy Fish Rice Bowl and more. Down the block, Blackbeard’s Brewing serves up burgers, wraps and delicious pizza alongside a rotating list of beers. Check out the Smokin’ Cannon Porter for a winter warm-up, or a Pirates Pale Ale if you are in the buccaneer mood. To satisfy your sweet tooth, hop up to Little Richard’s Donuts, and try one of their amazing fritter options.

Of course, no visit to a fishing town is complete without enjoying some fresh catch straight off the boat. Just one block in from the boardwalk, Merino’s Seafood is known for delicious fish n’ chips plus chowder. With all the seafood locally caught, you can try all 4 common local options: lingcod, rockfish, halibut and salmon. For a unique seafood experience, try the Dungeness crab or albacore tuna melt. If the weather is pleasant, enjoy eating on the sidewalk out front or on the upstairs balcony. After your meal, take a peek in the downstairs market for lots of great take-home seafood choices.

On the Way

To or from Westport, be sure to save a little time for a couple other fun stops. Highway 105 on the south side of the bay will take you past Westport Winery Garden Resort, featuring wine and spirits tasting, expansive gardens, a restaurant, executive-style pitch-and-putt golf, and the International Mermaid Museum. The winery has won numerous awards, most recently being named the 2022 Washington Winery of the Year by Great Northwest Wine Magazine.

Just east of the turnoff for Westport, pop in to Bay City Sausage Co., home to a great variety of meats, including landjäger, pepperoni, jerky and andouille sausage, plus smoked cheeses, salmon dip, and even dog treats!

For a slow-paced outdoor option, try wildlife viewing between the winery and Bay City at either Johns River Dike Trail or Bottle Beach State Park, where a variety of waterfowl, shore creatures and even elk are known to take up periodic residence. The dike trail at Johns River is just over a half-mile long, with a photography/hunting blind at the end. The Audubon Society has designated the ADA-accessible state park trail as an official Washington State Birding Trail, with over 130 avian species having been sighted!

Note: Don’t forget your Discover Pass to access these state-managed sites!

Regardless of the time of year, Westport provides a beach town experience without the crowds. Summer is the most popular time, so consider visiting in the spring for a slower pace and lower overnight rates!

For media and publication inquiries: eric@corneroffirstandadventure.com

A previous version of this article was initially written for Explore Washington State